ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 Vaccination Update - Day 336
India’s cumulative vaccination coverage crosses 136 Crore landmark milestone
More than 55 lakh Vaccine doses administered today till 7 pm
India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has crossed 136 Crore landmark milestone  today. More than 55 lakh  Vaccine Doses have been administered till 7 pm today. The daily vaccination tally is expected to increase with the compilation of the final reports for the day by late tonight.
The cumulative coverage of vaccine doses, segregated based on population priority groups, is as follows:
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Cumulative Vaccine Dose Coverage
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HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
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10386093
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|
2nd Dose
|
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9635350
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|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
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18383796
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|
2nd Dose
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16752320
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Age Group 18-44 years
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1st Dose
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484877228
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|
2nd Dose
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288216504
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|
Age Group 45-59 years
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|
1st Dose
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191098747
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|
2nd Dose
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138468039
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Over 60 years
|
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1st Dose
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119422159
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2nd Dose
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88629374
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Cumulative 1st dose administered
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824168023
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Cumulative 2nd dose administered
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541701587
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Total
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1365869610
Today’s achievement in the vaccination exercise, segregated by population priority groups, is as follows:
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Date: 17th December, 2021 
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HCWs
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1st Dose
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119
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2nd Dose
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5353
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|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
127
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
8884
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|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
938861
|
|
2nd Dose
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|
3030903
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|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
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|
212653
|
|
2nd Dose
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|
836230
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|
Over 60 years
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1st Dose
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129192
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2nd Dose
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436617
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1st Dose Administered in Total
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1280952
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2nd Dose Administered in Total
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4317987
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Total
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5598939
The vaccination exercise as a tool to protect the most vulnerable population groups in the country from COVID-19 continues to be regularly reviewed and monitored at the highest level.
Ministry of Defence
Make in India gets a big boost; MoD places indent for supply of 156 upgraded BMP Infantry Combat Vehicles of value Rs 1,094 Cr on OFB
In a major boost to ‘Make in India’ initiative of the Government, Acquisition Wing of Ministry of Defence  with the approval of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, has today placed an Indent on Ordnance Factory Board  for supply of 156 BMP 2/2k Infantry Combat Vehicles  with upgraded features for use of the Mechanised Forces of the Indian Army. Under this Indent, the ICVs will be manufactured by Ordnance Factory, Medak in Telangana at an approximate cost of Rs 1,094 crore.
The BMP-2/2K ICVs are going to be powered by 285 horse power engines and are lower in weight which will make them highly mobile to meet all tactical requirements of mobility in the battlefield. These ICVs will be able to reach a speed of 65 kilometres per hour  with easy steering ability in cross country terrain. They will have amphibious capabilities to travel at 07 kmph in water. These are designed to overcome slope of upto 35° cross obstacles of 0.7 metre and have lethal firepower capability.
With the induction of these 156 BMP 2/2K ICVs, planned to be completed by 2023, the existing deficiency in the Mechanised Infantry Battalions will be mitigated and the combat capability of the Army will be further enhanced.
ABB/SS/Nampi/KA/DK/Savvy/ADA
(Visitor Counter : 1818
Ministry of Tribal Affairs
Shri Jual Oram to launch “MSP for Minor Forest Produces and Value Addition Component of Van Dhan” tomorrow
M/o Tribal Affairs to scale up Van Dhan scheme to promote setting up of Value Addition Units in Rural Areas
The Union Minister of Tribal Affairs, Shri Jual Oram will launch the “Minimum Support Price  for Minor Forest Produces and the Value Addition component of Van Dhan” at a workshop to be organized by TRIFED under M/o Tribal Affairs on 28th February, 2019 at Dr Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi. Representatives from 30 State Governments and Stake holding Organizations have been invited to this day-long workshop, where roll out and implementation plan of the scheme will be discussed with the Delegates.
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs is now scaling up the “Van Dhan Scheme” and is ready to extend it to all tribal Districts of the Country in phases starting with the Aspirational Districts with substantial tribal population. The Prime Minister of India launched the Van Dhan Scheme in Bijapur District of Chhattisgarh on 14th April, 2018. The Ministry also expanded the coverage of the Minimum Support Price  for Minor Forest Produce Scheme to 50 Minor Forest Produces. The MSP has also been raised between 30% to 40% in case of each of the Commodities.
The procurement of these Minor Forest Produces will commence in Haat Bazars, where tribals bring their produces through facilitation of the State Government Agencies and District Collectors of the concerned Districts. A major advocacy drive will be launched for the same. It is proposed to set up almost 6000 Van Dan Vikas Kendras comprising 300 tribal gatherers each in the Country providing employment to almost 45 Lakh tribals.
The Ministry of Food Processing Industries and Ministry of Tribal Affairs have decided to set up two Minor Forest Produce Processing Units at Jagdalpur in Chhattisgarh and Raigarh in Maharashtra at the cost of almost approximately Rs. 11 Crores. These units will source Minor Forest Produces from tribal gatherers and MSP and process them for marketing through tribal entities all over the country. The major component of this will be mainstreaming of Heritage Mahua, a traditional tribal drink, which will be produced and marketed all over the country.
TRIFED has also launched the “Friends of Tribes” Scheme for sourcing of CSR funds from Public Sector Organizations  were requested to fund tribal Entrepreneurship Development Programme through their CSR initiatives. BPCL, IOCL and SPMCL and have sanctioned Rs. 10.00 crores for Van Dhan operations in Barwani, Rajnandgaon, Dewas & Hoshangabad Districts of Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh.
Vice President's Secretariat
Vice President calls for mastering the Mother Tongue
Shri Naidu says learning a language amounts to assimilation of culture and values
Urges people to learn more languages to foster unity of mankind
Vice President of India Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has highlighted the virtues of learning and mastering one's mother tongue even as he urged the people to learn other languages to the extent possible for a wider understanding of cultural diversities and value systems. He further said that learning other languages also fosters wider bonding of humankind besides enhancing opportunities of various kinds.
Addressing online the participants in the 'World Telugu Cultural Fest' being organized in San Francisco, the USA today, Shri Naidu stressed that language is more than a mere instrument of expression. He elaborated that language is manifestation of culture and a system of values over a long period of time and it epitomizes the personality types typical to respective cultures. Every language is an outcome of an evolutionary process drawing from other languages during the long period of interaction with others, he observed.
The Vice President noted that every civilization conveys itself in the languages of its people as products of historic, social, economic and physical contexts. Shri Naidu said that language in essence answers the basic question of "Who Are You?" thereby meaning that an individual is an expression of culture and a system of values. He stressed that "language is the principle source of identity of an individual and hence, very important."
Noting that a common language fosters unity and community development, Shri Naidu urged the people to learn as many languages as possible for a broader understanding of the diverse cultures. He called for extensive cultural and linguistic exchanges for transforming the mindsets and perspectives.
Shri Naidu urged the people to always be mindful and respectful of four 'M's i.e. Mother, Motherland, Mother Tongue and Mentor .
The Vice President said; "Religion is a pathway to individual salvation. Culture is a practical guide to the way of living towards that goal. Language, as an intrinsic element of culture, accordingly assumes importance in shaping one's life. Accordingly, sages and philosophers advocated using right words and correct language. That is why I say, you are what your language is and vice versa."
Ministry of Defence
Welfare Measures for Defence Personnel
The problems related to serving personnel are addressed by three Services as per the procedure in vogue. Personnel Service Directorates of all Service Headquarters are actively involved in redressal of the grievances. The Government has taken several steps towards stress amelioration amongst troops, which, inter-alia, include deployment of trained psychological counsellors, improvement in the quality of food and clothing, training in stress management, provision for recreational facilities, buddy system, leave concessions, approachability of seniors, facilities for movement of troops from border areas and establishing a grievance redressal mechanism at various levels. Financial assistance has also been provided to wards of Armed Forces personnel killed in action.
Number of steps have also been taken for redressal of grievances of Ex-Servicemen in the form of Defence pension adalats, Veterans Day, RTI Cells, CPGRAM Cells. Adequate steps have also been taken to increase the funding to Armed Forces Flag Day Fund which is used for the welfare and assistance to Ex-Servicemen. Financial assistance of Rs 133.31 crore to 37,815 beneficiaries was given under various schemes in Financial Year 2020-21. In addition, scholarship has been awarded to 10,268 beneficiaries in Financial Year 2020-21 under Prime Minister Scholarship Schemes . The nomenclature of the Army Battle Casualties Welfare Fund  has been changed to Armed Forces Battle Casualties Welfare Fund  for extending the benefits also to the battle casualties of Air Force and Navy. The additional ex-gratia amount has also been enhanced from the existing Rs 2 lakh to Rs 8 lakh for all Battle Casualties except Battle Casualties with disability less than 60% where the amount has been enhanced from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 4 lakh per casualty.
This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt in a written reply to Shri Sushil Kumar Gupta in Rajya Sabha today.
Nampi/Savvy
(Visitor Counter : 755
President's Secretariat
President of India Pays Floral Tributes to Dr Rajendra Prasad on his Birth Anniversary
The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, paid floral tributes to Dr Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India, on his birth anniversary at Rashtrapati Bhavan today .
Vice President's Secretariat
Vice President greets the nation on the eve of Dussehra
The Vice President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar has greeted the people on the eve of Dussehra. Following is the full text of his message –
“I extend my heartiest greetings and good wishes to all on the happy occasion of Dussehra, celebrated with traditional fervour and gaiety across India.
Symbolising the victory of good over evil, Dussehra reinforces our faith in ‘Dharma’ or righteousness. It is an occasion to cherish and take inspiration from the virtues espoused by Lord Rama – truth, justice, compassion, duty and courage.
May this festival bring peace, prosperity and harmony in the country.”
Following is the Hindi translation of the message –
“सम्पूर्ण भारत में पारंपरिक हर्षोल्लास के साथ मनाए जाने वाले पर्व, दशहरा के सुअवसर पर देशवासियों को हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं तथा बधाई देता हूं।
बुराई पर अच्छाई की विजय का प्रतीक दशहरा, धर्म में हमारी आस्था को और भी दृढ़ करता है। यह पर्व, सत्य, न्याय, करुणा, कर्तव्य तथा साहस जैसे भगवान राम के सद्गुणों को स्मरण करने तथा उनसे प्रेरणा लेने का है।
मेरी कामना है कि यह त्यौहार राष्ट्र में शांति, समृद्धि तथा सौहार्द लाए।”
Ministry of Civil Aviation
Several steps taken for decongestion at IGI Airport
The Steps taken for decongestion at IGI Airport are as under:-
i) Additional Traffic Marshals have been posted at the departure forecourt to avoid vehicular congestion
ii) Board displaying least waiting time along with the entry gate number has been put up at Naka point to guide passengers in advance
iii) Display boards installed at all departure entry gates providing real time data regarding waiting time. The information on the same is being shared via social media
iv) Awareness poster at the entry gate for passengers to be ready with Air ticket/ Boarding pass and Identity proof document. Dedicated staff has been deployed at the entry gate to help passengers
v) Two Additional entry gates have been opened for passenger entry
vi) Deployment of additional manpower by CISF done
vii) Deployment of additional X-ray machines for baggage check
viii)Monitoring through CCTV & Command Centre
ix) Use of Count Meter for Crowd Management
x) Airport operator advised to reduce flights during the peak hour at T3 or shift them to other two terminals
xi) Airlines advised to deploy sufficient manpower at all check-in/baggage drop counters
xii) Air travelers encouraged to use DigiYatra, a Biometric Enabled Seamless Travel experience based on Facial Recognition Technology
xiii) Airlines advised to have full compliance to Barcode on tickets issued to help easy flow of passengers at entry/security gates.
This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Civil Aviation Gen.  V. K. Singh  in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Education
Shri Dharmendra Pradhan on a four-day visit to Australia to explore the connect, collaborate and cooperate aspect in education and skill development
Union Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan on a four-day visit to Australian to strengthen Indo-Austalian ties and to explore the connect, collaborate and cooperate aspect in education and skill development.
In his statement prior to the Departure, Shri Pradhan said that reforms in India’s education sector and the renewed vigour in India-Australia bilateral relations opens up immense opportunities for both sides to establish the knowledge economy as a key pillar of our cooperation. He expressed his confidence that the tour will add momentum to our unity of purpose, help build trans-national knowledge bridges, further broaden our engagements at all levels in all areas of learning, skilling, research, innovation and entrepreneurship and deepen people-to-people connect.
During his 4-day visit, on 21st August, the Minister will interact with the Indian diaspora. Next day, Shri Pradhan will be visiting Western Sydney University  to co-chair the 6th meeting of the Australia India Education Council with Australian Counterpart Ms. Jason Clare. Along with HE Sarah Mitchell MLC, NSW Minister for Education, Shri Pradhan will be visiting a school. He will also visit TAFE NSF and The University of New South Wales  based in Sydney, where he will be interacting with the Vice-Chancellors and senior representatives of the Australian Government ,Department of Education.
On 23rd August, 2022, the Minister will be visiting the Kangan Institute and Deakin University in Melbourne. He will be meeting academicians and leaders of the Australian education and skilling ecosystem and vibrant Indian diaspora residing in Melbourne. Shri Pradhan will also be holding a virtual bilateral meeting with HE Brendan O’Connor MP, Minister for Skills and Training. Next day, Shri Pradhan will hold Dialogue with Group of Eight on building successful Australia-India research collaboration. He will also hold Dialogue, organised by Australia Indian Chamber of Commerce and Monash University. Later, the Minister will be interacting with the Indian Students in Melbourne.
Ministry of Defence
Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Shripad Naik asks children to play a leading role in making 'New India'
Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Shripad Naik today encouraged children to take inspiration from Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in taking India to newer heights. Raksha Rajya Mantri was addressing 3,500 children from 41 government schools, who will display 'Naya Bharat', as well as 700 NCC cadets who will participate in the Independence Day celebrations at the majestic Red Fort here on August 15, 2019. Shri Shripad Naik called upon the students to imbibe the virtues which will be shared by the Prime Minister during his Independence Day address.
Raksha Rajya Mantri also lauded the children for their determination by sitting for long hours for the last few days in challenging weather in the run up to the celebrations. Therefore, it gives me immense pleasure to give you mementos for your hard work, he added.
Later, Raksha Rajya Mantri gave away souvenirs to one teacher & one student from each participating school and Unit-in-Charge of the NCC group and a cadet on behalf of all participating children/cadets.
Ministry of Defence
MOU SIGNED BETWEEN INDIAN NAVY AND THE DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF SHIPPING FOR TRANSITION OF INDIAN NAVY PERSONNEL TO MERCHANT NAVY
A landmark Memorandum of Understanding  has been signed between Indian Navy  and the Directorate General of Shipping on 20 Jun 22 to facilitate transition of Indian Navy personnel, both serving and retired, into the Merchant Navy. Through this MoU, DG Shipping has envisioned certification of IN personnel in accordance with the International STCW  conventions in furtherance to the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of expanding Indian presence and share in the global seafarers. The MoU is also in line with the GoI’s focus on the maritime domain including Blue economy as also the optimal utilisation of skilled and trained human resources.
The detailed procedures to effect this transition have been issued by DG Shipping through the DGS Order 17 of 2022. The Order duly acknowledges the naval sea service and advanced training undergone by IN personnel and covers almost all the officers’ and sailors’ cadres of the IN, both in the Nautical as well as Technical domain. The Scheme would ensure naval personnel to acquire Certificate of Competence, while in Naval Service, which is recognised globally, after undergoing relevant bridging courses and examinations and a minimum merchant ship sea service in certain cases as mandated by STCW provisions. This would aid IN personnel in a smooth transition to various designations on-board Merchant ships, both in India as well as in shipping companies across the globe.
The transition schemes, which have been formulated after due diligence and taking into consideration a host of factors including international regulations, have introduced various provisions which offer a direct transition to IN personnel even up to the apex ranks in the Merchant Navy. IN personnel after having adequate experience in the Navy would now be able to join directly as Masters on Foreign Going ships of unlimited tonnage in the Nautical side and up to the rank of Chief Engineers in the Engineering domain.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar reviews steps taken on containment of Nipah Virus Outbreak in Kozhikode, Kerala
Visits ICMR-NIV Institute in Pune to take stock of preparations
High-level Central and ICMR teams equipped with BSL-3 labs have reached Kozhikode for on-ground testing
Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar reviewed steps taken for containment of Nipah virus outbreak in Kozhikode, Kerala, from the Indian Council of Medical Research – National Institute of Virology , in Pune today.
After undertaking the review, Dr Pawar stated that “the Govt of India under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and under the guidance of Hon’ble Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya is monitoring the situation and necessary steps for prevention of spread are being taken”.
Dr Pawar said that under the guidance of Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, high level teams from the Centre and ICMR-NIV with mobile units equipped with BSL-3 laboratories have already reached Kozhikode and will be doing on-ground testing. She also declared that the affected gram panchayats in the Kozhikode area have been declared as quarantine zones. A multi-disciplinary team led by Dr Mala Chhabra has been deputed by Union Health Ministry to support the state in public health measures to deal with this outbreak.
The Union Minister assured that that the Union Health Ministry and the ICMR-NIV is monitoring the issue on a daily basis and all possible arrangements are being made by the central government to deal with the viral outbreak.
Prime Minister's Office
PM to visit Varanasi on 30 November and inaugurate six-lane widening project of the Varanasi-Prayagraj section of NH-19
PM to attend Dev Deepawali and also undertake a site visit of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor Project
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will visit Varanasi on 30 November 2020 and dedicate to the nation the six-lane widening project of the Handia  - Rajatalab  section of National Highway 19. During the tour, the Prime Minister will attend Dev Deepawali, undertake a site visit of Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor Project and also visit the Sarnath Archaeological Site.
The 73 Km stretch of the newly widened and six laned NH19, made with a total outlay of Rs 2447 crore, is expected to reduce the travel time between Prayagraj and Varanasi by one hour.
Dev Deepawali, which has become a world famous festival of light and fervour in Varanasi, is celebrated on every Poornima of the Kartik month. The festival will be started by the Prime Minister by lighting a diya on the Raj Ghat of Varanasi, which will be followed by lighting of 11 lakh diyas on both sides of River Ganges.
During the visit, the Prime Minister will also undertake a site visit of the under construction Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor Project to review its progress. He will also see the Light and Sound show at the archaeological site of Sarnath, which had been inaugurated by him earlier this month.
Ministry of Defence
Distinguished Service and Gallantry Award Winners on Republic Day 2021
Following naval personnel have been conferred with distinguished/service/gallantry awards on the occasion 26 Jan 2021:-
PARAM VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL
- V ADM R HARI KUMAR, AVSM, VSM
- V ADM MS PAWAR, AVSM, VSM
- V ADM SR SARMA, AVSM, VSM
ATI VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL
- R ADM PHILIPOSE GEORGE PYNUMOOTIL, NM
- R ADM V MOHAN DOSS, VSM
- R ADM SRINIVAS VENNAM, NM
- R ADM SWAMINATHAN KRISHNA, VSM
- R ADM SWAMINATHAN RAJARAM, NM
- R ADM SANJAY VATSAYAN, NM
- R ADM SREEKUMAR NAIR, NM
NAO SENA MEDAL 
- CDR GAURAV KUMAR SAINI
NAO SENA MEDAL 
- SURG R ADM SHEILA SAMANTA MATHAI,VSM
- CMDE RAVI MALHOTRA, VSM
- CMDE ANIL MARYA
- CMDE RAHUL VILAS GOKHALE
- CMDE RAJDEEP SINGH DHALIWAL
- CMDE AN SATISH VSM
- CAPT SATISH MEGHNATH SHENAI
- CAPT PE PRASAD
VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL
- R ADM SANDEEP MEHTA
- SURG R ADM ARTI SARIN
- CMDE SRIKANT KESNUR BANDOPANT
- CMDE ASHOK KUMAR RAI
- CMDE SIDDHARTHA SANT
- CMDE PRASHANT CHOWDHARY
- CMDE AJAY B
- CMDE RAMESH MS MENON
- CMDE MARWAHA GAUTAM
- CAPT PANKAJ CHAUHAN
- SURG CAPT DIVIYA GAUTAM
- CAPT BIRENDRA SINGH BAINS
- CAPT SUMEET SINGH SODHI
- CAPT KAPIL BHATIA
- SURG CDR KAUSHIK KUMAR BHOL
- JAI SINGH MCPO I